u. 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

POETICAL  EXPRESSION 


OF 


THE  GOSPELS. 


By  william  J,  KNOWLES. 


B  0  S  T  0  N  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR 

1858. 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 


BETHLEHEM . 


■J 


iiinvt 


li 


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} 


'  - 1*’ : 


POETICAL  EXPRESSION 


THE  GOSPELS. 

By  william  J.  KNOWLES. 


<0*- 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR. 

1858. 


HBKBT  J.  HOWLAKD,  PRINTER. 


SV\ 


% 


INTKODUCTIOK 


In  Matthew,  Mark,  with  Luke  and  John, 
I  plainly  show  how  they  begun  ; 

?  Although  ^tis  plain,  and  simple  too, 

We  find  the  precepts  strictly  true. 


^  Our  Savior’s  mission  here  is  seen, 
By  Jews  was  treated  very  mean  ; 
^  Herod,  the  King,  did  bear  a  part. 
Because  he  had  a  wicked  heart. 


I  Of  John  the  Baptist,  who  arose  ; 

The  twelve  Apostles  Jesus  chose  ; 
r  Joseph  and  Mary,  Peter’s  life, 

The  crowing  cock  did  cause  him  strife. 


The  sepulchre,  of  solid  stone, 

Those  two  disciples  how  they  run, 

Sweet  spices  which  the  women  brought| 
For  lessons  which  their  Savior  taught. 


(099564 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  herd  of  swine,  the  devils  too, 

The  loaves  and  fishes,  how  they  go ; 

The  midnight  prayer,  the  mountain  top. 
The  ass^s  colt,  the  men  on  foot. 

Judas  and  Pilate,  crown  of  thorns, 

The  Angel  Zacharias  warns, 

High  Priest  Caiaphas,  Simeon’s  life, 

The  net  and  fishes  caused  no  strife. 

The  Publican  and  Pharisee, 

Those  cripples  healed  without  delay, 
The  woman  kissing  Jesus’s  feet. 

The  rich  man  took  the  lowest  seat. 

How  Lazarus  fared,  his  friendly  dogs, 
The  oxen,  sheep,  and  little  doves. 

The  scourge  of  cords,  the  tables  shake, 
The  changers  fleeing  through  the  gate. 

The  Savior’s  death,  the  rending  tomb ; 
Meets  the  disciples  at  their  room ; 

All  who  were  faithful,  good  and  wise, 
Ere  long  should  meet  him  in  the  skies. 


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ft  , 


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ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


In  Matthew^s  Gospel,  we  may  find 
How  Jesus  came  on  earth  ; 

Joseph  and  Mary  were  resigned, 

Before  the  Savior’s  birth. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  came  down, 
Told  Joseph  what  to  do, 

When  he  was  sleeping  very  sound, 

His  strength  did  then  renew. 

Believed  the  words  the  angel  spake, 
Took  Mary  for  his  wife, 

The  yoke  of  sin  their  son  would  break, 
And  teach  the  way  to  life. 

As  prophets  long  before  had  said, 
Immanuel  he  must  be, 

Would  point  the  .way  for  man  to  tread, 
By  land  or  on  the  sea. 


8- 


I  ' 


ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


When  old  King  Herod  heard  of  this, 
It  made  him  feel  quite  bad, 

Spake  to  the  Jews  in  great  distress, 
About  that  princely  lad. 

Asked  the  wise  men,  about  what  time 
They  saw  the  star  appear. 

Said,  go  and  search  until  you  find, 
And  safely  may  you  steer. 


Then  bring  me  word,  when  you  shall  see 
The  lad  who  soon  will  reign, 
ril  go  to  him,  and  bend  the  knee, 

The  word  he  spake  was  vain. 


That  woujd  not  do,  he  told  a  lie. 
That  child  he  sought  to  slay ; 
An  angel  of  the  Lord  drew  nigh, 
And  pointed  out  the  way. 


Made  known  to  Joseph  what  to  do. 
To  save  the  child  from  harm. 
He  fied  by  night,  and  Mary  too, 

In  Egypt  soon  did  come. 


Old  wicked  Herod  then  was  mad, 

All  little  children  slew, 

That  he  might  get  that  princely  lad. 
And  prove  it  to  be  true. 


ST,  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


9 


Soon  Herod  died,  the  angel  came, 

And  unto  Joseph  said, 

Eeturn  to  Israel,  there  remain, 

For  Herod  now  is  dead. 

Soon,  John  the  Baptist  did  appear, 

And  made  a  noble  show, 

He  warned  the  wicked  far  and  near, 

To  turn  from  things  below. 

Kepent,  he  said,  return  and  live, 

And  flee  the  wrath  to  come. 

Salvation  you  may  all  receive, 

Eeserved  for  every  one. 

His  coat  was  made  of  camels  hair, 

A  girdle  spanned  him  round. 

He  made  those  wicked  people  stare, 
Wherever  they  were  found. 

All  who  received  the  words  he  spake, 
The  same  he  did  baptize. 

Then  of  the  sacrament  partake, 
Eejoicing  as  they  rise. 

When  Jesus  came  from  Galilee, 

And  was  baptized  by  John, 

What  followed  this,  we  plainly  see,  f  i 
^T was  God’s  anointed  one.  ‘  ‘  ^ 


10 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 


The  opening  heavens  declared  his  fame, 
God’s  spirit  did  descend, 

Just  like  a  dove  it  kindly  came, 

And  lit  upon  that  friend. 

A  voice  was  heard  by  all  around, 
Announced  his  mission  here, 

All  who  believe,  in  truth  abound, 

He’ll  wipe  the  rolling  tear. 

Then  he  was  tempted  forty  days. 

The  nights  were  just  the  same, 

Deceit  was  used  in  various  ways. 

For  this  the  tempter  came. 

Then  he  did  flee  when  Jesus  said 
Bright  angels  did  descend, 

Because  the  devil  then  had  fled, 

His  case  they  would  defend. 

He  walked  upon  the  briny  deep, 

He  preached  the  heavenly  word, 

Poor  fishermen  did  safely  keep. 

When  they  his  voice  had  heard. 

All  left  their  nets,  as  we  are  told, 

His  sacred  will  obeyed, 

His  power  at  length  he  did  unfold, 

For  this,  on  earth  he  stayed. 


ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


All  kinds  of  sickness  gently  healed, 
His  fame  spread  far  and  wid^, 
Those  heavenly  weapons  he  did  wield, 
Called  thousands  by  his  side. 


SEEMON  ON  THE  MOUNT. 


That  sermon  on  the  mount  he  gave. 

Was  very  plain  and  clear; 

All  who  abide  his  grace  should  have^  ^ 
The  gospel  armor  wear. 


The  poor  in  spirit,  mourner  too. 
The  meek  and  thirsty  ones. 

Each  hungry  soul  he  would  renew, 
And  call  the  same  his  sons. 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 


The  merciful  and  pure  in  heart, 

His  blessing  shall  obtain  ; 

Peacemakers  too  must  share  a  part, 
No  effort  is  in  vain.  ‘ 

The  persecuted  sons  of  men, 

In  striving  to  do  good, 

May  bless  the  Lord,  and  say  amen, 
When  they  are  treated  rude. 

Eej  oice  and  he  exceeding  glad, 

A  blessing  is  in  store, 

Such  persecutions  martyrs  had. 

And  many  gone  before. 

He  taught  those  people  how  to  pray, 
So  simple  was  the  prayer. 

All  could  repeat,  by  night  or  day. 

In  using  proper  care. 

Eash  judgment,  Jesus  did  condemn, 
The  hypocrite  made  known, 

• 

Forjudging  thus  his  fellow  men, 

The  Savior  will  not  own. 

The  tree  which  bears  the  best  of  fruit 
Is  valued  for  its  worth, 

It  firmly  stands,  so  deep  the  root, 
Compared  with  Christian  birth. 


ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


13 


He  cleansed  the  leper,  calmed  the  sea, 
Centurion^s  servant  healed, 

The  palsied  limbs  at  once  made  free, 
The  blind  had  sight  revealed. 

The  bloody  issue  was  made  whole, 

The  ruler^s  daughter  raised, 

Taught  the  disciples  in  his  school,. 

For  this  their  muker  praised. 

His  twelve  apostles  then  were  named, 
Their  mission  did  receive, 

In  doing  good  they  would  he  blamed. 
Find  much  to  make  them  grieve. 

Were  sent  as  sheep  among  the  wolves. 
As  serpents,  must  he  wise. 

And  harmless  as  the  little  doves. 

Thus  meet  their  enemies. 

Like  sparrows  they  would  he  preserved. 
Not  one  should  ever  fall. 

The  faithful  prayer  is  known  and  heard. 
When  on  the  Lord  they  call. 

Each  spear  of  hair  is  numbered  o’er. 

By  God,  their  heavenly  king. 

For  faithful  ones,  has  much  in  store. 

His  praises  they  shall  sing. 


14 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 


Concerning  John,  he  then  did  say, 

None  greater  could  he  found, 

And  all  his  followers  who  obey, 

With  honors  shall  be  crowned. 

A  withered  hand  he  then  did  heal, 

And  plucked  the  ears  of  corn  ; 

To  Pharisees  he  did  appeal, 

’Twas  on  the  sabbath  morn. 

Should  they  have  sheep  fall  in  a  pit, 

Upon  God’s  holy  day, 

No  means  be  used  the  same  to  get  ? 

They  could  not  answer  nay. 

Should  man,  more  value  than  a  sheep. 

Be  left  to  perish  thus  ? 

A  single  word  they  could  not  speak, 

They  knew  it  was  not  worse. 

He  called  them  vipers  by  the  way. 
Blasphemers  every  one. 

Unless  they  turn,  his  word  obey. 

Their  race  would  soon  be  run. 

He  spake  of  Jonas  and  the  whale, 

A  signal  here  was  given, 

Three  days  and  nights  they  both  did  sail, 
Referred  to  earth  and  heaven. 


ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


He  spake  of  tares  among  the  wheat, 
A  parable  was  given, 

Those  wicked  men  who  lie  and  cheat, 
Are  tares,  unfit  for  heaven. 

Then  John  the  Baptist  lost  his  head. 
To  please  that  wicked  King, 

What  mother  spake,  the  damsel  said. 
Did  in  a  charger  bring. 

Five  thousand  men,  and  women  too, 
Christ  told  them  to  sit  down. 

The  people’s  strength  did  then  renew. 
The  loaves  and  fish  went  round. 

He  rescued  Peter  from  the  wave,- 
Just  when  his  faith  had  gone. 

Cried  for  his  master  then  to  save, 
That  power  was  soon  made  known. 

A  lunatic  at  length  was  healed ; 

Of  vineyards  then  he  spake. 

The  last,  as  first,  the  same  must  yield, 
When  men  the  Savior  seek. 

He  rides  upon  an  ass’s  colt, 

Ko  man  had  ever  rode, 

Jerusalem  could  find  no  fault, 

But  all  the  people  bowed. 


ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 


Some  spread  their  garments  in  the  way 
With  branches  did  the  same, 

Then  cried  Hosanna  night  and  day, 
For  this  were  not  to  blame. 

The  fig  tree  withered  by  his  word, 

The  blind  and  lame  made  whole, 

The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  were  stirred, 
That  he  should  bear  the  rule. 


17 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 

Were  sore  displeased  at  what  lie  done, 
Their  temple  overthrown, 

The  father  said,  as  well  as  son, 

That  discord  had  been  sown. 

A  woe  to  them  he  then  pronounced. 

That  they  oppressed  the  poor, 

Their  final  doom  he  did  announce, 

For  such  laid  up  in  store. 

The  outward  part  kept  clean  and  nice. 
The  inside  full  of  dirt, 

And  no  good  doctrines  will  they  prize, 
From  such  they  all  depart. 

While  those  who  watch  and  humbly  pray, 
Will  find  a  safe  retreat. 

The  wicked  who  their  trust  betray, 

Shall  take  the  lowest  seat. 

Their  temple  soon  would  he  destroyed, 
The  Savior  then  made  known, 

Her  splendid  courts  should  all  he  void, 
For  seeds  which  they  had  sown. 

To  judgment  soon  they  all  must  come, 

No  one  should  know  the  day. 

Must  give  account  for  what  they  done, 
They  did  not  watch  and  pray. 

2 


18 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 

As  in  the  days  when  Noah  lived, 
serious  time  would  he, 

Though  ample  warning  they  received, 
They  would  not  bend  the  knee. 

Ten  virgins  then  he  did  present, 

One  half  of  them  were  wise, 

Had  lamps  and  oil  as  on  they  went, 
The  foolish  did  surprise. 

They  took  their  lamps,  hut  had  no  oil, 
The  first  had  none  to  spare  ; 

No  light  to  aid  them  in  their  toil, 

For  want  of  proper  care. 

He  ^pake  of  talents  men  possessed, 
Said  each  must  toil  and  strive, 
Improving  one,  he  should  he  blest. 

As  him  who  had  the  five. 

Then  Judas,  who  was  very  hold, 
Betrayed  his  heavenly  king. 

His  end  was  serious,  we  are  told, 

For  doing  such  a  thing. 

t 

Before  the  mournful  scene  began. 

Ere  on  the  cross  he  hung, 

With  his  disciples  he  did  stand. 

Brake  bread  with  them  alone. 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 


THE  LAST  SUPPER. 


That  truly  was  a  trying  time, 

To  meet  with  such  a  death, 

When  he  dispensed  the  bread  and  wine 
Must  then  resign  his  breath. 


It  was  a  bitter  cup  to  take, 

He  died  that  all  might  live ; 
When  we  repent,  our  sins  forsake, 
Salvation  may  receive. 


ST.  MATTHEW^S  GOSPEL. 

Poor  Peter  tlioiight  that  he  was  strong, 
But  ah,  how  soon  he  fell, 

One  look  from  Jesus,  passed  along, 

The  crowing  cock  did  tell. 

He  very  bitterly  did  cry, 

As  every  sinner  must, 

If  they  would  be  prepared  to  die, 

In  Jesus  put  their 


He  on  the  cross  gave  up  the  ghost. 
The  solid  rocks  were  rent, 

Was  in  the  tomb  three  days  at  most, 
And  then  to  heaven  he  went. 


ST.  Matthew’s  gospel. 


21 


In  Joseph’s  sepulchre  was  laid, 

With  heavy  stone  to  guard, 

His  vile  accusers  were  afraid. 

That  they  his  body  scared. 

Those  women,  early  on  that  day. 
Beheld  the  heavy  stone 
Was  rolled  away,  the  scriptures  say. 
That  sacred  body  gone. 

An  angel,  dressed  in  white,  was  there^ 
The  keepers  then^did  shake, 

He  told  the  women  not  despair, 

Fresh  courage  now  to  take. 

They  quickly  ran  and  told  this  thing, 
With  fear  and  mingled  joy. 
Disciples  came  and  worshipped  him, 
Whom  wicked  Jews  destroy. 

He  on  the  mountain  spake  again, 

All  his  disciples  heard, 

Told  them  to  preach,  away  with  sin. 
Dispense  his  holy  word. 

Be  faithful  till  the  end  shall  come, 
They  then  should  see  his  face. 

In  heaven  above  was  ample  room, 
Eejoice  in  songs  of  praise. 


ST.  MARK’S  GOSPEL. 


We  find  in  Mark,  the  same  expressed, 

As  Matthew  told  before, 

Concerning  John,  and  all  the  rest, 

The  rich  as  well  as  poor. 

That  messenger  who  soon  would  come, 
Forerunner  of  the  Lord, 

The  way  prepare  for  God’s  own  Son, 
Those  treasures  he  had  stored. 

The  great  physician  of  the  soul 
Was  soon  to  come  on  earth. 

The  sight  restore,  the  lame  make  whole. 
Saint  John  announced  his  birth. 

By  him  baptized,  as  we  have  seen, 

John  done  it  by  request. 

Had  been  informed  what  this  should  mean 
By  Jesus  was  expressed. 


ST.  MARKUS  GOSPEL. 


23 


Some  parables  he  did  present, 

To  show  the  way  to  steer, 

When  souls  return,  from  sin  repent. 
They  never  shall  despair. 

Explained  the  same,  as  we  are  told. 
While  preaching  on  the  shore. 

Did  in  the  ship  the  same  unfold, 

When  people  pressed  him  sore. 

The  way-side  hearer,  how  he  fared. 

And  all  the  various  grades. 

To  make  it  plain,  no  pains  were  spared. 
The  same  in  darkness  fades. 

Just  like  the  seed  in  stony  ground. 

Or  that  among  the  thorns. 

The  careless  soul,  wherever  found. 

Will  meet  with  many  storms. 

Fowls  of  the  air  will  gather  up. 

The  thorn  will  choke  the  same, 

The  husbandman  shall  have  no  crop. 
For  reasons  he  did  name. 

But  should  he  cultivate  his  land. 

Bestow  the  proper  care, 

The  seed  will  rise  and  firmly  stand. 
Some  food  may.  have  to  spare. 


24 


ST.  mark’s  gospel 


The  mustard  seed,  so  very  small, 
Becomes  a  noble  tree, 

Spreads  forth  its  branches  wide  and  tall 
Where  sporting  birds  are  free. 

So  man,  whose  gift  is  scarcely  seen, 
The  smallest  to  be  found, 

With  proper  culture,  shows  a  green, 

His  course  is  safe  and  sound. 


THE  STORM. 


When  he  had  done,  a  storm  came  on. 
The  ship  was  full  of  waves. 

Rebuked  the  wind,  its  power  was  gone, 
His  comrades  were  amazed. 


ST.  mark’s  gospel. 


25 


Why  are  ye  fearful,  then  he  said, 

No  faith  to  bear  thee  through, 

Conversed  together  of  the  deed. 

And  knew  it  to  be  true. 

When  he  had  reached  the  other  side, 

And  came  upon  the  shore. 

One  from  the  Tombs  the  Savior  spied. 
Unclean  in  every  pore. 

Could  not  be  bound  with  ropes  or  chains, 
No  fetters  could  withstand, 

Were  rent  in  pieces  by  his  strains. 

Was  aided  by  that  band. 

Dwelt  in  the  mountains  night  and  day, 
Oft  cut  liimself  with  stones, 

He  saw  the  Savior  far  away. 

And.  uttered  heavy  moans. 

His  kind  compassion  then  was  moved, 
That  legion  could  not  stand, 

Though  many  devils,  vain  and  rude, 

A  fierce  and  cruel  band. 

They  begged  the  Savior  of  mankind. 

Not  send  them  far  away  ; 

He  said,  go  in  the  herd  of  swine. 

Two  thousand  did  obey. 


ST.  mask’s  gospel. 

The  course  they  ran  was  very  steep, 

Led  straightway  to  the  sea, 

The  man  could  then  more  calmly  speak. 
From  devils  safe  and  free. 

They  soon  had  perished,  swine  and  all, 
Their  keepers  were  afraid, 

Such  power  evinced,  so  strange  the  call. 
Great  tumult  this  had  made. 

The  man  did  publish  all  around 
What  God  for  him  had  done. 

His  health  was  lost,  but  now  was  sound, 
Could  talk,  rise  up  and  run. 

The  ruler’s  little  daughter  healed, 

The  bloody  issue  too. 

He  saw  her  faith,  his  power  revealed, 

A  touch  did  prove  it  true. 

A  damsel  raised  from  sleep  of  death. 

Her  friends  no  more  did  weep. 

She  was  restored  with  life  and  breath, 

.  Well  able  then  to  speak. 

Great  consternation  soon  was  felt, 

To  know  what  this  should  be. 

Such  power  revealed,  where’er  he  went, 
So  easy  and  so  free. 


ST.  maek’s  gospel. 


27 


Some  were  offended,  sought  revenge, 

Their  angry  passions  rose, 

That  he  should  cause  so  great  a  change, 

In  friends  as  well  as  foes. 

This  carpenter,  whom  we  have  seen. 

His  parents  well  we  know. 

Are  plagued  to  learn  what  this  should  mean, 
Such  power  from  him  doth  flow. 

He  marveled  at  their  unbelief. 

Yet  still  continued  on. 

Said  to  the  twelve,  be  mild  and  meek. 
Should  they  be  left  alone. 


CIIKIST  SENDING  FORTH  THE  APOSTLES. 


28 


ST.  mark’s  gospel. 


Then  sent  them  forth,  by  two  and  two, 

With  ample  power  to  heal 
The  hardest  cases  here  below, 

When  they  on  him  should  lean. 

No  money  take,  nor  any  bread. 

No  scrip,  but  staff  alone, 

One  coat,  with  sandals  thou  shalt  tread 
The  way  which  Christ  hath  gone. 

Where’er  you  go,  by  night  or  day, 

Be  true  in  word  and  deed, 

Shake  off  the  dust,  and  turn  away, 

Unless  you  ’re  well  received. 

Their  doom  is  then  forever  sealed, 

Because  they  were  so  rude,  ^ 

Those  twelve  went  out  into  the  field, 

Dispensed  the  heavenly  word. 

• 

They  cast  out  devils,  said  repent  ' 

Before  it  is  too  late, 

Healed  all  the  sick,  as  on  they  went. 

Their  sufferings  did  abate. 


king  Herod  then  felt  very  bad. 
Thought  he  was  losing  ground, 
Soon  John  the  Baptist  did  behead, 
That  he  might  still  be  crowned. 


ST.  mark’s  gospel. 


29 


Disciples  then  his  body  took, 

And  laid  with  kindred  dust, 

Of  loaves  and  fishes  then  partook, 
Tlieir  master  made  it  last. 

Then  to  the  mountain  Jesus  goes, 
Engaged  in  fervent  prayer. 

Walked  on  the  sea  when  waves  arose, 
And  made  those  people  stare. 

He  fed  the  multitude  again 
As  he  had  done  before, 

The  faithful  ones  did  on  him  lean. 
Found  much  laid  up  in  in  store. 

He  cast  an  evil  spirit  out, 

Which  rent  the  father’s  son. 

It  made  him  foam  and  rave  about. 

His  race  must  soon  be  run. 

But  Jesus  spake  a  single  word, 

The  devil  knew  his  power, 

It  was  enough,  that  voice  he  heard, 
He  left,  was  seen  no  more. 

Concerning  marriage  then  he  spake, 
Of  two  becoming  one. 

The  little  children  then  did  take, 

He  told  them  all  to  come. 


ST.  mark’s  gospel. 


81 


All  must  become  as  free  from  sin, 

As  little  children  are, 

The  humble  should  salvation  win. 
Receive  the  best  of  care. 

Then  poor  Bartimeus,  who  was  blind, 

At  once  received  his  sight, 

By  faith  the  man  became  resigned. 

And  then  his  eyes  were  bright. 

He  rode  an  ass,  as  Matthew  said, 

Up  to  Jerusalem  went. 

Great  was  the  time  those  people  had. 
For  this  they  must  relent. 

He  told  them  what  would  come  to  pass, 
Prepare  to  meet  that  day. 

When  he  was  sitting  on  the  ass, 

He  pointed  out  the  way. 

At  length  was  brought  to  Pilate’s  bar. 
His  mission  soon  must  close. 
Although  the  bright  and  morning  star, 
Was  hated  by  his  foes. 

That  wicked  Judas  was  the  man. 

Who  Matthew  said  was  mean. 

He  was  unable  long  to  stand, 

This  plainly  may  be  seen. 


32 


ST.  mask’s  gospel. 


The  God  of  glory,  crucified 
By  those  he  came  to  save, 

For  this  they  could  not  long  abide, 

•  They  very  soon  must  grieve. 

They  smote  and  bruised  that  blessed  one 
Spit  in  the  Savior’s  face, 

Was  treated  thus  for  what  he  done 
To  save  the  human  race. 


ST.  MARKUS  GOSPEL. 


83 


But  he  arose,  the  tomb  must  yield, 

His  power  could  not  withstand, 

The  sword  of  justice  he  must  wield, 
They  soon  did  understand. 

To  his  disciples  did  appear,  . 

Before  he  left  the  earth. 

Said,  preach  the  gospel  far  and  near. 
Proclaim  the  heavenly  birth. 

Be  true  and  faithful,  every  one. 

Till  time  shall  be  no  more. 

Where  I  have  gone  you  then  shall  come, 
A  crown  is  laid  in  store. 

He  then  departed,  went  to  heaven, 

There  intercedes  for  all. 

To  faithful  souls  his  grace  is  given, 

He’ll  hear  their  earnest  call. 


a 

•  s 


THE  VISION  or  ZACHARIAS. 


ST.  LUKE’S  GOSPEL. 


Here  Luke  rehearses  much  the  same 
That  Mark  expressed  before, 

The  way  that  John  the  Baptist  came, 
The  same  laid  up  in  store, 

A  certain  priest  did  then  abide. 

When  Herod  wore  the  crown. 

He  had  a  wife  dwelt  by  his  side. 

And  righteous  both  were  found. 

And  Zacharias  was  his  name, 

Elizabeth  was  his  wife, 

They  had  no  child,  though  not  to  blame, 
No  cause  of  any  strife. 

duite  aged  both  those  people  were, 

Burnt  incense  to  the  Lord, 

An  angel  told  them  not  to  fear. 

Were  blessings  for  them  stored. 


36  6T,  Luke’s  gospel. 

Thy  wife  shall  hear  to  thee  a  son, 

And  John  shall  be  his  name, 

For  him  the  people  must  make  room. 
Good  reasons  for  the  same. 

The  Holy  Ghost  shall  fill  his  soul. 

Be  great  before  the  Lord, 

He  will  present  the  golden  rule. 

That  man  might  be  restored. 

Turn  many  souls  from  sinful  ways. 
Through  power  of  God  on  high. 
Will  toil  and  stri\^e  their  hearts  to  raise. 
And  bring  salvation  nigh. 

Then  Zacharias  spake  and  said. 

How  shall  this  thing  be  done. 

For  I  am  old,  much  help  do  need. 

My  wife  hath  aged  grown? 

The  angel’s  answer  was  received. 

His  name  was  Gabriel  too, 

My  message  thou  hast  not  believed. 
Nor  thought  it  to  be  true. 

Thou  shalt  be  dumb  because  of  this. 
Until  it  come  to  pass. 

That  son  will  rise  in  righteousness. 

His  mission  long  shall  last. 


ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL. 


37 


When  from  the  temple  he  appeared, 

They  found  he  could  not  speak, 

Made  signs  to  show  how  he  had  fared. 
His  earthly  home  did  seek. 

His  wife  conceived,  five  months  did  hide, 
Because  this  thing  was  so, 

An  angel  came,  dwelt  by  her  side. 

Told  Mary  what  to.  do. 

Be  not  afraid,  the  angel  said. 

What  thou  hast  done  is  right, 

A  sacred  teacher  all  do  need. 

Dispensing  heavenly  light. 

Thou  art  the  chosen  one  of  God, 

A  son  thou  soon  shall  bear. 

He  shall  be  great  as  Christ  the  Lord, 

The  way  he  will  prepare. 

Jesus  by  name  that  son  shall  be. 

Great  power  he  will  possess, 

All  unto  him  must  bow  the  knee. 
Receive  his  heavenly  grace. 

'  How  shall  this  be  ?  then  Mary  said, 

A  man  I  never  knew  : 

The  Holy  Ghost  will  sow  the  seed. 

And  prove  it  to  be  true. 


38 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


Those  were  the  vvrords  the  angel  spake 
In  making  his  reply, 

Her  cousin,  too,  a  show  would  make, 

Ere  she  was  called  to  die. 

Though  something  old,  bring  forth  a  son, 
Elizabeth  was  her  name, 

For  she  in  Christ  must  have  her  turn, 
And  John  would  be  his  name. 

All  things  are  possible  with  God, 

This  Mary  understood. 

Be  it  according  to  thy  word, — 

The  angel  then  removed. 

To  the  hill  country  Mary  went. 

To  Judea  she  did  haste. 

To  Zacharias’  house  was  sent, 

Elizabeth  there  embraced. 

When  both-  had  met,  the  babe  did  leap, 
The  Holy  Ghost  was  there. 

And  then  Elizabeth  did  speak, 

The  reason  did  declare. 

She  blessed  the  Lord,  and  Mary  too, 

For  both  had  learned  liis  power, 

Found  what  the  angel  said  was  true, 
Tlieir  maker  did  adore. 


ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL. 


39 


About  three  months  those  women  shared 
Each  other’s  kind  embrace, 

Elizabeth  was  then  prepared 
To  give  the  child  a  place. 

Brouglit  forth  a  son,  they  called  him  John, 
H  is  parents  both  agree, 

The  father  wrote,  the  thing  was  done, 

As  all  may  plainly  see. 

Those  people  marvelled,  one  and  all. 

At  what  they  did  behold ; 

His  tongue  was  loosed,  on  God  did  call, 

’  His  praises  did  unfold. 

Much  fear  those  people  did  express. 

So  strange  the  child  appeared. 

But  when  they  learned  he  came  in  peace, 
Their  hearts  were  greatly  cheered. 

His  Father’s  heart  with  pleasure  filled, 

He  prophesied,  and  said, 

What  unto  him  had  been  revealed, 

The  life  that  son  would  lead. 

A  light  in  darkness  he  would  be. 

In  God  would  put  his  trust. 

Declare  to  all  who  bow  the  knee. 

The  last  as  well  as  first. 


40 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 

Shall  find  the  way  to  Zion’s  hill, 

Where  Jesus  Christ  doth  reign, 

Who  hath  appeared,  made  known  his  will, 
No  word  he  spake  was  vain. 

The  child  did  grow  in  strength  and  power, 

His  mission  soon  made  known, 

His  life  the  righteous  would  adore, 

While  erring  ones  do  mourn. 

Forerunner  of  the  King  of  kings, 

The  Savior  of  mankind, 

Came  to  atone  for  people’s  sins, 

When  they  would  seek  and  find. 

The  time  approached,  the  Savior  came. 

Was  in  a  manger  laid, 

Joseph  nor  Mary  were  to  blame. 

The  word  of  God*  obeyed. 

While  shepherds  watched  their  flocks  by  night, 
An  angel  spake,  and  said. 

Fear  not,  my  friends,  all  will  be  right 
About  that  princely  lad. 

Then  suddenly  a  heavenly  host 
Gave  glory  to  the  Lord, 

To  praise  his  name  should  be  the  first, 

By  all  must  be  adored. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


41 


To  Betlilehem  the  shepherds  came, 

Found  Joseph,  Mary  too, 

Babe  in  the  manger  they  had  lain, 

All  this  they  found  was  true. 

Then  they  rejoiced  and  praised  his  name, 
At  what  they  saw  and  heard. 

To  he  adored  the  Savior  came, 

Dispense  his  holy  word. 

Then  good  old  Simeon,  who  was  just, 
Eeceived  the  message  given. 

If  he  would  in  the  Savior  trust. 

Should  find  the  way  to  heaven. 

Took  in  his  arms  that  blessed  one, 

He  then  could  die  in  peace. 

The  time  had  come,  his  work  was  done, 

His  glory  would  not  cease. 

Twelve  years  of  age  the  child  had  reached, 
Did  linger  far  behind, 

He  to  the  Doctors  then  did  preach. 

His  parents  could  not  find. 

They  soon  returned  and  found  their  son, 
With  Lawyers,  Doctors  too. 

Appeared  so  old  in  all  he  done, 

Astonished  not  a  few. 


42 


ST.  Luke's  gospel. 


CHUIST  DISPUTING  AVITH  THE  DOCTORS. 


Bis  parents  asked  Iiim  what  it  meant, 
That  he  remained  behind, 

To  do  his  Father’s  will  was  sent. 

And  they  must  feel  resigned. 

When  John  the  Baptist  did  arise, 
Then  Pontius  Pilate  reigned, 

He  told  those  people  to  be  wise. 

Then  they  v;culd  not  be  blamed. 


ST.  LIJKE^S  GOSPEL. 


High  priest  Caiaphas  then  was  seen, 
As  John  was  coming  on, 

The  baptist  knew  what  this  did  mean, 
God^s  word  he  leaned  upon^ 

On  Jordan’s  hanks,  in  country  towns, 
He  preached  the  heavenly  word. 
Said,  seek  that  wisdom  which  abounds 
In  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord. 

Esais  prophesied  the  same, 

When  Christ  would  come  on  earth, 
He  spake  of  John  who  now  had  come. 
Proclaimed  the  heavenly  birth. 

Prepare  the  way,  as  prophets  said, 

For  Christ  the  sovereign  King, 
Make  straight  the  paths  for  man  to 
Be  free  from  every  sin. 

He  gave  good  counsel  to  them  all. 
Said,  flee  the  wrath  to  come, 

For  high  and  low,  the  short  and  tall, 
In  heaven  is  ample  room. 

Should  crave  no  more  from  any  one. 
Than  what  you  would  bestow. 

They  fain  would  learn  about  this  son. 
Were  anxious  then  to  know. 


44 


ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL. 


Herod  the  tetrach  was  reproved, 

Because  of  Philip’s  wife, 

Put  John  in  prison,  used  him  rude, 

Not  then  did  take  his  life. 

When  all  the  people  were  baptized, — 
Jesus  among  the  rest, — 

A  voice  from  heaven  proclaimed  him  wise, 
Great  power  he  would  possess. 

The  Holy  Ghost  did  now  descend. 

The  shape  was  like  a  dove. 

Did  then  abide  upon  that  friend, — 

A  voice  was  heard  in  love  : 

This  truly  is  the  Son  of  God, 

The  Father  loves  him  well. 

His  age  was  thirty,  shoulders  broad. 

The  son  of  Joseph  still. 

Then  Christ  was  tempted  by  the  way. 

The  trial  was  severe, 

He  in  the  wilderness  did  stray. 

When  Satan  did  appear. 

Full  forty  days  he  fasted  there, 

No  food  was  to  be  found, 

And  yet  he  never  did  despair,  • 

In  honors  must  be  crowned. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


45 


He  then  was  hungry,  longed  for  food, 

The  devil  tried  again, 

His  art  the  Savior  understood. 

He  could  not  enter  in. 

Said,  if  thou  he  the  Son  of  God, 

■  These  stones  at  once  make  bread. 

Then  Jesus  spake,  was  understood. 

It  is  not  all  we  need. 

When  they  had  reached  the  mountain  top, 
The  devil  tried  again 
To  fill  the  Savior’s  mind  with  hope. 

And  lead  him  into  sin. 

All  kingdoms  of  the  world  were  shown 
The  Savior  of  mankind, 

If  he  would  worship,  falling  down. 

He  then  might  feel  resigned,  - 

Now  get  thee  hence,  the  Savior  said. 

He  let  the  tempter  know 
His  malice  could  not  do  the  deed. 

His  kingdom  overthrow. 

The  word  is  written  very  plain. 

As  Jesus  did  reply, 

From  other  gods  thou  shalt  refrain, 
Except  the  One  on  high. 


46 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


Then  to  the  temple  he  was  brought, 

On  a  pinnacle  was  set, 

,  For  wicked  Satan  vainly  thought 
To, spread  the  fatal  net. 

Cast  thyself  down,  the  tempter  said, 
Kind  angels  will  appear, 

And  render  all  the  help  you  needj 
To  save  you  from  despair. 

Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God, 
The  Savior  did  reply,  ‘  * 

One  doing  this  shall  feel  the  rod, 

And  must  forever  die. 

Then  Satan  left  him  for  a  while, 

And  Jesus  preached  the  word. 

His  fame  was  known  for  many  a  mile, 
His  virtues  spread  abroad. 

Declared  his  mission  to  them  all, 

By  signs  and  wonders  too. 

Those  who  would  come,  obey  the  call, 
Their  spirits  would  renew. 

The  broken  hearted  were  restored, 

The  lepers  were  made  whole. 

Those  evil  spirits  knew  the  Lord, 

Were  subjects- to  his  rule. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


47 


Kebuked  diseases,  various  kinds, 

Their  comforts  did  increase, 

Convinced  the  rude  and  skeptic  minds, 
That  they  from  sin  must  cease. 

In  Simon’s  ship  he  next  is  seen, 

When  people  pressed  him  sore, 

He  there  explained  what  he  did  mean, 

As  he  had  done  before. 

Launch  out,  he  said,  into  the  deep, 

Let  down  your  nets  again, 

The  words  he  spake  they  fain  would  keep, 
This  plainly  may  be  seen. 

We’ve  toiled  all  night,  then  Simon  said, 
No  fish  have  taken  yet. 

We’ll  try  again,  food  much  we  need, 

Thy  word  would  not  forget. 

Such  multitudes  they  did  enclose. 

Their  net  could  not  withstand. 

Another  ship  did  interpose. 

And  helped  them  safe  to  laud. 

Then  Simon  Peter  well  did  know. 

That  power  did  come  from  God, 

His  grace  to  all  he  would  bestow. 

Who  seek  for  heavenly  food. 


48 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 

Then  Simon  Peter,  James  and  John, 
Were  very  much  surprised, 

The  change  which  they  had  undergone. 
Did  teach  them  to  be  wdse. 

They  left  their  ships  and  followed  him, 
Whose  word  was  full  of  power. 

He  cleansed  the  leper,  made  him  clean, 
Had  done  the  same  before. 

The  scribes  and  pharisees  beheld, 

And  Doctors  of  the  law, 

Such  love  and  power  had  been  revealed. 
Which  none  had  ever  saw. 

• 

To  the  palsied  man  he  said,  arise. 

Take  up  thy  bed  and  walk. 

Those  people  saw  it  with  surprise, 

It  was  a  noble  work. 

He  said  to  Levi,  follow  me, 

That  call  he  did  obey. 

Then  made  a  feast,  was  kind  and  free. 
He  chose  the  good  old  way. 

There  many  publicans  sat  down, 

And  sinners  shared  a  part, 

The  scribes  and  pharisees  did  mourn > 
Portrayed  a  wicked  heart. 


ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL.  ^ 

But  Jesus  answered  them,  and  said, 
The  whole  no  help  may  need, 

Yet  sickly  ones,  who  keep  their  bed, 
Are  those  I  came  to  feed. 


At  length  a  cripple  he  did  heal, 
That  they  might  learn  his  power, 
The  holy  sabbath  did  reveal, 

Which  he  had  laid  in  store. 

4 


r 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


Stretch  forth  thy  hand,  the  Savior  said, 
At  once  he  did  obey, 

It  was  restored,  as  he  had  need  ; 

No  trust  would  he  betray. 


Those  wicked  men,  with  madness  filled, 
Such  mighty  works  were  done, 

That  sovereign  i|}^r'  wllic^  tl®^ beheld, 
In  Christ,,the 


He  spent  all  night  in  secret  prayer, 
With  God,  the  heavenly  King, 
That  he  would. yet  the  sinner  spare, 
Eternal  life  to  win. 


His  twelve  Apostles  then  he  chose, 

Peter  and  Andrew  come, 

James,  John,  nor  Philip  did  refuse, 
Bartholomew  made  one. 

Matthew  and  Thomas  with  the  rest^  * 
Then  James,  and  Simon  rise, 

Judas,  the  brother  of  James,  the  next, 
The  traitor  all  despise. 

He  then  came  down,  stood  in  the  plain. 
Disciples  by  his  side, 

Those  people  met,  of  every  name, 

From  cities  far  and  wide. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


51 


Old  Tyre  and  Sidon,  on  the  coast, 
Jerusalem  did  appear, 

All  that  assembled  made  a  host, 

With  people  from  Judea. 

Came  to  be  healed  by  Jesus  Christ, 

All  who  were  found  unclean, 

The  poorest  child  was  not  despised. 

He  bid  them  all  come  in. 

A  touch  from  him  was  found  enough, 
Such  virtues  thence  did  flow. 

He  blessed  them  all,  in  love  and  truth, 
Their  course  he  well  did  know. 

The  hungry  soul,  and  weeping  child. 
Shall  find  a  good  supply. 

Rejoice  in  God,  be  meek  and  mild. 

Be  His  when  called  to  die. 

By  doing  good  to  every  one, 

The  saint  and  sinner  too. 

His  house  shall  stand  when  time  is  gone, 
And  prove  the  saying  true. 

While  disobedient  sons  of  men 
Neglect  their  best  estate, 

’Tis  like  the  house  destroyed  by  rain. 
Which  on  the  sand  was  set. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


He  raised  the  widow’s  son  to  life, 

As  we  are  plainly  shown, 

The  mother’s  heart  again  was  light, 
When  she  beheld  her  son. 

Weep  not,  he  said,  then  touched  the  bier, 
Young  man,  he  said,  arise, 

All  those  who  saw  it  then,  did  fear, 

Such  power  did  them  surprise. 

The  man  sat  up,  began  to  speak. 

His  mother  grieved  no  more  ; 

The  blind  and  lame  obtained  relief, 

Then  Jesus  did  restore. 

These  things  were  rumored  all  around. 
Throughout  Judea’s  coast, 

The  greatest  prophet  ever  found. 

Had  healed  and  cured  the  most. 

Those  people  knew  not  what  to  do, 

.  Were  taken  by  surprise. 

And  John  the  Baptist  sent  out  two 
To  make  the  people  wise. 

They  said  to  Jesus,  who  art  thou  ? 

From  John  the  Baptist  sent, — 

The  one  to  whom  all  men  must  bow. 

Of  every  sin  repent  ? 


4 


I  I  fi  11  /:  f  V 

Or  shall  we  look  for  one  to  come, 

As  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord,. 

For  whom  the  prophets  said,  make  room, 

Such  wisdom  in. him  stored? 

At  once  the  Savior  did  reply, 

Tell  John  what  you  have  seen. 

All  evil  spirits  must  stand  by, 

Lame  and  diseased  made  clean. 

Blind  eyes  are  opened,  ears  unstopped, 

The  lame  rise  up  and  walk. 

The  leprous  ones  are  not  forgot, 

Tongues  of  the  dumb  can  talk. 

D 

John’s  messengers  did  then  depart, 

Of  whom  the  Savior  spake, 

Forewarning  every  sinful  heart, 

Their  errors  to  forsake. 

No  prophet  found  to  equal  John, 

The  greatest  here  below. 

Of  all  who  are  of  women  born, 

Doth  make  a  noble  show. 

The  smallest  in  the  heavenly  world, 

Is  greater  still  than  he, 

Such  truths  the  Savior  did  unfold, 

That  wicked- men  might  see. 


ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL.- 


lavi 


^  Yllr;li*:jni;ii 

1^1  ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL. 

Some  did  repent,  and  were  baptized, 
But  Pharisees  were  bold, 

The  Lawyers  too  became  unwise, 
Some  wicked  stories  told. 

The  course  for  them  was  pointed  out, 
Tlie  way  made  plain  and  clear, 

They  all  from  sin  must  turn  about, 
This  plainly  did  appear. 

The  vain  excuses  some  would  make, 
That  Savior  did  rehearse. 

Such  cavilings  must  soon  abate, 
Pronounced  to  be  a  curse. 

He  then  was  asked  to  take  some  meat 
With  Pharisees  sit  down  ; 

On  hearing  this  he  took  a  seat, 

With  sinful  men  was  found. 

A  woman  came,  a  sinner  too, 

Some  ointment  had  in  store. 

And  on  his  feet  her  tears  did  flow, 
Then  ointment  she  did  pour. 

Then  wiped  his  feet  upon  her  hair, 
The  same  she  loved  to  kiss. 

Used  all  the  ointment,  none  to  spare 
In  view  of  future  bliss. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


55 


The  Pharisees  did  then  complain, 

Because  he  suffered  this, 

Told  Simon  she  was  not  to  blame, 
Affords  her  joy  and  peace. 

Then  to  those  women  he  did  say. 

Thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole, 

With  thankful  heart  go  on  thy  way, 
Observe  the  golden  rule. 

He  then  did  preach  about  the  sower ; 

By  parable  make  known 
What  must  be  done  by  rich  and  poor. 

To  reach  the  heavenly  throne. 

Like  seed  which  fell  among  the  thorns, 
Or  on  the  barren  rock. 

Compared  to  sinful,  erring  ones. 

Who  on  this  world  do  look. 

But  those  who  listen  and  obey. 

Like  seed  which  taketh  root. 

Their  progress  seen  by  night  and  day. 
Are  yielding  precious  fruit. 

Such  light  will  shine  and  bless  mankind, 
While  travelling  here  below. 

The  wandering  souls  become  resigned. 
And  virtue  from  them  flow. 


56 


ST.  luke’b  gospel. 

Next  in  a  ship  upon  the  lake, 

When  winds  and  waves  ran  high, 
Disciples  heard  the  words  he  spake, 
The  storm  was  passing  by. 

One  from  the  tombs  he  then  did  meet, 
No  clothing  did  he  wear, 

At  once  he  fell  at  Jesus’  feet. 

In  sorrow  and  despair. 

No  chains  or  fetters  could  withstand, 
He  snapped  them  as  a  thread. 
Composed  a  fierce  and  ugly  band. 
Whom  all  the  people  dread. 

They  passed  into  a  herd  of  swine. 
Rushed  forward  toward  the  sea. 
The  troubled  man  was  sane  in  mind, 
From  devils  then  was  free. 

A  bloody  issue  was  made  whole. 

An  only  daughter  healed. 

Five  thousand  fed,  they  all  were  full, 
Great  power  was  there  revealed. 

He  sent  his  twelve  Apostles  out. 

Well  armed  with  heavenly  grace. 
Said,  preach  the  gospel  all  about, 

t 

Instruct  the  human  race. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


57 


No  money  take,  nor  scrip,  or  staves, 

One  coat  is  all  you  need, 

No  bread  prepare,  nor  any  loaves, 

But  sow  the  heavenly  seed. 

Go  heal  the  sick  as  1  have  done, 

The  crippled  ones  restore, 

Preach  God  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

As  you’ve  been  taught  before. 

In  secret  prayer  be  often  found. 

Your  master  does  the  same. 

In  fruits  your  labor  must  abound, 

None  such  will  be  to  blame. 

I 

Then  seventy  more  were  called  to  preach, 
Their  mission  did  receive,  , 

Received  their  lesson  how  to  teach. 

That  all  might  turn  and  live. 

The  fruitless  fig  tree  Christ  did  curse. 

He  pointed  out  the  way. 

Straight  was  the  gate,  did  oft  rehearse, 

To  enter  all  must 

Do  good  upon  the  Sabbath  day, 

The  pattern  Jesus  set, 

And  at  the  supper  he  did  say, 

The  poor  do  not  forget. 


58 


ST.  LUKE'S  GOSPEL. 


Those  vain  excuses  which  were  made 
Received  a  stern  rebuke, 

Not  one  should  come  whom  he  had  bade. 
His  counsels  had  forsook. 

A  parable  of  the  wandering  sheep^ 

The  piece  of  silver  too, 

Of  prodigals  he  then  did  speak, 

One  case  described  as  true. 

He  asked  his  father  to  bestow 
What  goods  he  was  to  have. 

To  a  far  country  then  did  go. 

That  son  at  length  did  grieve. 

Because  he  wasted  all  he  had, 

Must  feed  among  the  swine, 

He  soon  was  brought  to  see  his  need, 

At  length  he  must  repine. 

Thought  of  the  home  he  left  behind, 
Again  would  fain  return. 

He  found  his  master  still  inclined 
To  pay  him  all  he  earned. 

He  had  transgressed  his  father’s  will, 


His  father  bid  him  enter  in. 

His  wanderings  then  were  stayed. 


Confession  must  be  made, 


ST.  LUKE’S  GOSPEL. 

The  fatted  calf  was  killed  and  dressed 
Pine  music  was  prepared, 

His  elder  brother  was  distressed, 

So  sumptuously  he  fared. 

» 

No  fatted  calf  for  me*  is  slain, 

I’ve  ne’er  received  a  kid, 

My  younger  brother  now  has  come. 
The  best  he  has  received. 

The  father  told  him,  in  reply. 

All  that  I  have  is  thine. 

Thou  hast  been  with  me,  ever  nigh, 
Art  ever  true  and  kind. 

But  this  thy  brother  wandered  far, 

Was  lost,  hut  now  is  found. 

The  fatted  calf  we  did  prepare, 

Because  he’s  safe  and  sound. 

Of  unjust  stewards  then  he  spake, 
Hypocrisy  condemned. 

The  case  of  Lazarus  he  did  take, 

No  money  to  defend. 

The  rich  man’s  fare  was  very  fine. 

His  linen  was  the  best. 

He  could  afford  to  take  his  wine, 
Provide  a  rich  repast. 


60 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


The  poor  man  begged  from  day  to  day 
Before  the  rich  man’s  gate, 

Eeceived  the  crumbs  he  threw  away, 

So  trying  was  his  state. 

The  dogs  then  came  to  lick  his  sores, — 
At  length,  the  beggar  died, 

In  Abram’s  bosom  he  adores 
His  guardian  and  his  guide. 

Ere  long,  the  rich  man  passed  the  vale, 
His  money  could  not  save, 

To  good  old  Abram  did  appeal. 

His  sympathy  did  crave. 

He  prayed  that  Lazarus  might  be  sent, 
To  grant  him  some  relief, 

And  tell  his  friends  they  must  repent, 
Salvation  thus  receive. 

But  ah,  the  same  must  ever  close, 

The  day  of  grace  now  past. 

All  who  the  simple  path  had  chose. 

Their  die  was  fully  cast. 

He  shared  the  good  things  in  this  world. 
Which  Lazarus  could  not  get. 

And  now  the  scale,  at  length,  has  turned. 
And  time  had  sealed  their  fate. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


61 


He  spake  of  earnest,  fervent  prayer, 
The  best  that  can  be  found, 

The  widow’s  mite,  the  judges  care, 
True  faith  did  gain  the  ground. 

The  publican  and  pharisee, — 

A  difference  here  is  seen. 

The  former  would  not  bow  the  knee, 
He  thought  the  other  green. 

The  publican  his  guilt  confessed. 
Portrayed  an  honest  heart, 

Did  smite  upon  his  naked  breast. 

And  took  a  humble  part. 

The  happiest  man,  we  plainly  see. 
Was  justified  and  blest. 

The  other  would  not  bend  the  knee. 
And  hence  he  was  the  least. 

The  rich  man  said,  what  shall  I  do. 
Eternal  life  to  gain. 

What  wicked  heart,  he  well  did  know, 
Prom  sin  he  must  refrain. 

The  money  was  his  idol  still. 

The  Savior  knew  it  well. 

His  real  state  he  did  reveal. 

That  sorrowing  look  did  tell. 


62 


ST.  LUKE^S  GOSPEL. 


Then  Zaccheus  he  did  climb  the  tree, 
When  Jesus  passed  that  way, 

So  small  in  stature  could  not  see. 

His  trust  would  uot  betray. 

When  Jesus  came,  he  looked  up, 

Said,  Zaccheus,  now  come  down. 
With  thee  to  day  I  fain  would  sup. 

He  soon  did  reach  the  ground. 

Those  people  murmured,  one  and  all. 
That  he  should  be  a  guest. 

On  such  a  sinner  make  a  call. 
Excluding  all  the  rest. 

But  Zaccheus  had  confession  made. 
Was  penitent  and  kind, 

Confessed  his  sin,  was  not  afraid. 
Quite  humble,  and  resigned. 

The  Savior  told  him,  in  reply. 

This  day  I  visit  thee. 

Unto  this  house,  he  would  draw  nigh, 
Salvation  would  be  free. 

Then  Jesus  spake  of  talents  given. 
Improvement  must  be  made. 

All  that  will  find  the  path  to  heaven, 
Must  gain  the  same  in  trade. 


ST,  LUKE^S  GOSPEL. 


63 


Those  talents  which  the  first  received, 
Had  gained,  and  now  was  ten, 

His  master  very  much  was  pleased, 

Great  confidence  did  win. 

The  second  person  gained  the  five, 

He  very  well  had  done, 

Good- satisfaction  he  did  give. 

With  Father  and  the  Son, 

The  other  came,  his  pound  returned. 

Safe  in  a  napkin  kept. 

The  donor  he  had  vainly  scorned, 

His  course  would  not  accept. 

That  sacred  trust  he  did  betray, 

The  Judge  was  near  at  hand, 

Because  he  chose  to  disobey, 

The  storm  could  not  withstand. 

.The  temple’s  ruin  was  foretold, 

When  gifts  were  being  made. 

The  mites  that  widow  did  unfold, 

Was  reckoned  all  she  had. 

While  some  from  great  abundance  give. 
Have  much  they  well  can  spare. 

The  widow’s  mite  which  they  received, 
With  faith  and  humble  prayer, 


64 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 

Was  more  than  all  which  had  been  given, 
Great  sacrifice  she  made, 

It  raised  her  spirit  nearer  heaven, 

Her  soul  on  Jesus  stayed. 

The  closing  scenes  were  near  at  hand, 

That  temple  soon  must  fall, 

Though  firm  and  heavy,  cannot  stand, 
Those  stones  of  granite  wall. 

Great  wars  and  earthquakes  shall  arise, 
Commotions  all  around. 

The  wicked  persecute  the  wise, 

Such  trials  will  be  found. 

Yet  righteous  souls  should  never  fear. 

The  Lord  is  on  their  side. 

Though  sinful  men  are  drawing  near, 

The}^  shall  not  long  abide. 

Though  scorn  and  hatred  they  should  meet, 
No  spear  of  hair  can  fall, 

The  righteous  God  will  not  forget, 

When  on  His  name  they  call. 

The  Jews  conspire  against  their  King, 
When  wicked  Judges  came. 

That  vile  accuser  did  begin. 

To  scorn  the  Savior’s  name. 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


65 


The  Heavenly  Teacher  did  betray, 

For  money  he  received, 

It  caused  him  trouble,  night  and  day, 

The  stripes  he  much  did  need. 

Betrayed  his  master  with  a  kiss. 

Whom  Peter  soon  denied, 

Yet  that  Apostle  found  no  peace. 

Until  he  wept  and  sighed. 

When  wicked  Pilate  had  condemned 
The  Savior  of  mankind. 

King  Herod  in  it  had  a  hand. 

Though  he  no  fault  could  find. 

They  fain  would  let  the  Savior  go. 

But  people  cried  the  more. 

They  wished  to  give  the  fatal  blow. 

Their  vengeance  on  him  pour. 

They  mocked  and  scourged  that  blessed  one, 
Then  crucified  their  King, 

Between  two  thieves  the  Savior  hung. 

Eternal  life  to  win. 

He  bore  our  sins  upon  the  tree, 

He  died  for  all  tnankiud, 

If  they  would  come  and  bow  the  knee. 
Eternal  life  should  find. 

5 


I 


ST.  Luke’s  gospel. 


f 


When  he  had  bowed^  gave  up  the  Ghost, 
And  darkness  veiled  the  sky, 

The  sun  refused  to  light  the  coast, 

The  Savior  then  did  die. 

But  righteous  Joseph  loved  him  still,  • 
His  body  he  desired, 

The  same  to  Pilate  did  reveal, 

Received  what  he  required. 

He  had  clean  linen  all  prepared, 

A  sepulchre  of  stone. 

Sweet  spices  honest  women  spared. 

When  Sabbath  morn  had  come. 

They  saw  the  stone  was  rolled  away, 
Quite  early,  as  they  came. 

The  body  gone,  the  Angels  say. 

He  told  you  of  the  same. 

They  soon  returned,  and  made  it  known. 
Then  others  came  to  see. 

Old  Peter  ran,  arrived  there  soon. 

With  others  did  agree. 

Ihe  Savior  met  them  on  their  way. 

As  we  are  often*  told. 

He  promised  aid  by  night  and  day, 

3 

Should  they  His  truth  unfold. 


I 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL,  67 

His  loved  disciples  were  amazed, 

So  strange  these  things  appeared, 

Their  heavenly  teacher  whom  they  praise, 

Had  oft  their  spirits  cheered.  • 


Communed  with  them,  received  some  food, 
Broiled  fish,  and  honey  comb, 

When  all  by  grace  should  be  renewed. 

May  reach  the  heavenly  home. 


When  he  had  blessed  them,  one  and  all, 
Returned  again  on  high, 

And  those  who  answer  to  his  call, 

Shall  meet  him  when  they  die. 


ST.  JOHN’S  GOSPEL. 

The  gospel  of  John  is  found  to  contain, 

Accounts  of  our  Savior,  and  also  his  reign. 

The  Word,  from  beginning,  was  found  to  be  good, 
Forever  was  with  him,  as  John  understood. 

Divine  in  his  nature,  all  things  by  him  made. 
Supports  every  creature,  in  the  sun  or  the  shade. 
By  day  and  by  night,  on  the  land  or  the  sea. 

All  nations  and  colors,  the  bond  and  the  free. 


68 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 


John  came  as  a  witness,  that  men  might  believe, 
He  spake  of  the  light,  which  he  had  received, 
Was  not  the  true  light,  he  plainly  expressed, 

One  greater  was  coming,  in  which  there  was  rest. 

That  was  the  true  light  which  all  might  possess, 
Be  joj^ful  and  happy  while  running  their  race, 

By  leaning  on  him  whom  prophets  foretold. 

Might  have  a  safe  journey,  and  never  grow  old. 

This  John  bear  witness,  and  spake  very  plain. 

Of  Jesus,  the  Savior,  who  soon  was  to  reign, 

His  fulness  and  grace  all  men  might  receive, 
Their  journey  be  peaceful,  and  nevermore  grieve. 

The  law  came  by  Moses  a  long  time  before. 
Which  the  baptist  rehearsed,  had  laid  up  in  store. 
No  one  had  beheld  that  Savior  and  King, 

Whom  John  had  reported  salvation  would  bring. 

The  same  bare  record,  to  Gentile  and  Jew, 

He  was  not  the  Savior,  the  same  did  renew, 

Then  art  thou  Elias  ?  He  said,  I  am  not, 

Nor  was  he  the  prophet  those  people  had  sought. 

They  were  anxious  to  know,  and  repeated  again, 
Whether  this  could  be  so,  an  answer  to  win, 

The  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  regions  of  doubt. 
Make  way  for  the  Savior,  at  once  turn  about. 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


69 


As  the  prophet  Esaias  had  said  long  before, 

Make  all  the  paths  straight,  and  strive  to  restore 
The  sinful  and  erring,  as  they  shall  have  need. 

Be  seeking  and  striving  to  sow  the  good  seed. 

Concerning  baptism,  a  question  was  asked, 

The  reason  John  did  it,  not  being  the  Christ, 

I  do  it  with  water,  he  then  did  reply, 

But  one  cometh  after,  is  now  very  nigh. 

Whose  shoes  I’m  unworthy  to  tie  or  unloose. 

To  acknowledge  that  being,  no  one  should  refuse, 
Bethabara,  beyond  Jordan,  these  words  were  expressed, 
Where  John  was  baptizing,  many  people  had  blessed. 

The  very  next  day,  on  raising  his  eyes, 

He  saw  Jesus  the  Savior,  and  that  did  suffice, 
Beholding  his  person,  he  called  him  a  lamb, 

Coming  out  from  the  Father,  to  labor  with  men. 

The  burdens  of  sin  he  would  soon  take  away, 
Which  abound  in  the  world,  by  night  and  by  day, 
Whom  John  had  presented  as  the  one  that  should  come, 
As  head  over  all,  for  his  presence  make  room. 

This  John  bear  record,  saw  the  spirit  of  God, 
Descending  upon  hm,  to  scatter  abroad. 

Like  a  dove  it  remained,  was  seen  to  abi  5o, 

All  people  made  happy,  who  dwell  by  his  side. 


70 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 


I  baptize  with  water,  my  mission  fulfill, 

But  God,  the  creator,  his  power  would  reveal. 

Holy  Ghost,  from  above,  the  same  will  baptize. 

The  sinful  and  erring  he  will  not  despise. 

When  they  shall  return,  repent  and  believe 
In  their  creator,  he  will  freely  forgive 
All  errors,  committed  by  land  or  by  sea, 

Their  sins  are  remitted,  by  bowing  the  knee. 

When  looking  to  Jesus,  as  he  walked  by  the  way. 

Of  the  dove  and  the  Lamb,  he  had  something  to  say, 
T  wo  disciples  then  followed,  when  the  Savior  did  speak 
To  see  what  was  wanting,  and  whom  they  did  seek. 

The  answer  was.  Rabbi,  the  master  and  king, 

Where  now  is  thy  dwelling,  may  we  not  enter  in? 

He  said,  come  and  see,  they  both  did  obey. 

Came  up  to  his  mansion,  and  abode  that  day. 

' 

About  the  tenth  hour  they  afterwards  found. 

On  hearing  John  speak  those  things  which  were  sound. 
One  Andrew,  near  by,  who  was  called  Simon’s  brother, 
Had  found  the  Messias,  was  going  still  further. 

He  called  him  the  Christ,  this  plainly  is  seen, 

Then  brought  him  to  Jesus.,  because  he  was  clean. 
When  the  Savior  beheld  him,  he  called  him  a  stone. 
Or  Cephas,  the  hard  one ;  then  others  did  come. 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


71 


As  the  day  passed  away,  to  Galilee  he  went, 

There  Jesus  found  Philip,  to  whom  he  was  sent. 

He  hailed  from  Bethsaida,  where  Andrew  and  Peter 
Belonged  in  the  city,  brought  up  both  together. 

Philip  findeth  Nathaniel,  had  a  word  for  to  say, 

He  then  spake  of  Moses,  and  men  of  his  day, 

The  Prophets  did  write  of  one  coming  on, 

From  Joseph  to  arise,  and  be  Mary’s  son. 

Nathaniel  then  spake,  his  mind  did  express, 

Can  any  good  thing  come  out  of  this  place, 

Philip  said,  come  and  see ;  whom  Jesus  beheld. 

Said  one  free  from  guile  had  entered  the  field. 

How  knowest  thou  me  ?  Nathaniel  did  say : 

When  under  the  fig  tree,  I  saw  thee  one  day. 

His  answer  was,  Eabbi,  thou  art  the  true  God, 

The  true  king  of  glory,  good  tidings  hast  brought. 

Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  saw  thee,  ’tis  true, 

Yet  something  is  greater,  between  me  and  you, 
Believest  thou  this,  the  Savior  then  said. 

That  all  will  be  blest  who  do  a  good  deed  ? 

At  length  you  will  see  bright  angels  above, 

From  the  regions  of  glory,  as  onward  you  move, 

On  ladders  ascending,  and  then  going  down, 
Abiding  with  Jesus,  and  wearing  the  crown. 


72 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 

When  three  clays  had  passed,  a  Tnarriage  took  place, 
In  Cana  of  Galilee,  where  all  had  a  taste, 

When  the  wine  was  presented,  which  Jesns  had  made, 
Ey  all  ’twas  assented,  as  the  best  which  they  had. 

Six  water  pots  of  stone,  provided  and  set, 

Filled  up  to  the  hrim,  Jesus  told  them  to  get. 

On  drawing  this  out,  at  the  Savior’s  command. 

The  governor  received  it,  and  the  whole  marriage  band. 

This  was  done  by  the  power  of  God  from  above, 

To  make  them  more  happy,  as  onward  they  move, 
Was  a  miracle  of  grace,  the  Lord  did  present, 

To  fulfill  his  mission,  for  this  he  was  sent. 

When  this  was  concluded,  such  power  was  displayed, 
He  astonished  those  people  by  the  wine  which  he  made, 
First  miracle  performed,  as  the  Savior  went  forth, 

He  still  was  to  show  his  power  on  the  earth. 

Made  a  scourge  of  small  cords,  and  put  them  to  use, 
In  Jerusalem’s  temple,  because  of  abuse. 

Selling  oxen  and  sheep,  and  doves,  he  condemned, 
Then  drove  them  all  out,  from  beginning  to  end. 

Their  change  poured  out,  and  the  tables  overthrew, 
He  bid  them  depart,  their  lives  must  renew. 

In  my  Father’s  house,  you  must  not  do  so, 

Then  all  which  trafficked,  from  the  temple  did  go. 


73 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


iSii 


.lit  ; 


I  >-. 


irifcLs 


lijii  'iW^M 


CHRIST  AND  NICODEMUS. 

Christ  taught  Nicodemus,  that  he  must  be  good. 
Repent  of  his  sins  because  he  was  rude, 

Again  to  be  born,  he  could  not  see  through, 

When  Jesus  explained  it  as  righteous  and  true. 

Be  born  of  the  Spirit  which  comes  from  above, 

All  people  must  have  it  as  onward  they  move, 

When  called  to  depart,  have  a  friend  very  near, 

Who  will  be  their  conductor  and  give  them  good  cheer. 

Compared  to  the  wind,  which  blows  to  and  fro, 

The  sound  may  be  heard  as  onward  we  go. 

Not  able  to  learn  from  whence  it  doth  come, 

Nor  where  it  doth  go  when  its  work  shall  be  done. 


74 


ST.  John's  gospel. 


Those  born  of  the  Spirit  are  likened  to  this, 

Affords  them  true  wisdom  with  comfort  and  peace, 
While  here  on  the  earth,  all  such  will  be  blest. 

And  when  they  shall  leave  it,  find  permanent  rest. 

But  how  can  this  be  ?  Nicodemus  then  said. 

Though  a  master  in  Israel,  more  wisdom  did  need, 
The  Savior  continued  to  enlighten  his  mind. 

By  words  which  he  uttered,  to  make  him  resigned. 

The  way  of  salvation  did  plainly  make  known,'' 

By  signs  and  by  wonders  the  course  was  laid  down, 
How  ready  men  were  to  believe  what  they  see. 

While  journeying  here,  very  easy  and  free. 

When  I  told  you  of  earthly,  you  would  not  believe, 
What  I  tell  you  of  heavenly,  you  will  not  receive, 

No  man  hath  ascended  in  person  to  heaven, 

By  him  that  descended,  salvation  is  given. 

As  Moses  came  forward,  the  serpent  did  raise, 

To  cure  those  bitten,  their  bodies  to  save. 

Even  so  the  Redeemer  would  be  raised  from  the  earth, 
That  men  might  be  happy,  obtain  the  new  birth. 

All  those  who  believe  in  his  love  and  his  power, 
Salvation  in  Jesus,  their  Maker  adore, 

Such  truly  will  find  the  pearl  of  great  price, 

Be  blest  by  the  Savior  while  running  their  race. 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


75 


God  so  loved  tlie  world  that  he  gave  his  own  Son, 

To  atone  for  their  sins,  ere  their  race  should  be  run, 
All  those-would  receive  who  come  to  the  light, 

Be  peaceful  and  happy,  if  they  will  do  right. 

To  save  the  whole  world,  that  Savior  had  come, 

For  those  doing  right,  he  had  ample  room. 

Who  acknowledge  his  goodness,  his  laws  still  obey. 
He  will  ever  be  with  them,  by  night  and  by  day. 

Be  a  shield  and  defence,  his  mercy  and  power 
Will  be  their  support  when  darkness  shall  lower, 

His  course  being  known,  as  gentle  and  good. 

That  soul  shall  be  favored  is  well  understood. 

But  those  who  are  evil,  and  will  not  confess,  _ 
Eeject  the  free  offerings  of  wisdom  and  grace, 

Come  not  to  the  light  at  the  Savior’s  command. 

The  house  which  they  build  will  rest  on  the  sancL 

When  Jesus  baptized  in  the  land  of  Judea,  ' 

This  John  was  near  Enon  to  give  them  good  chee) 
Where  he  did  the  same  as  the  master  had  done. 

If  they  would  repent,  to  the  Savior  return. 

The  bride  and  the  bridegroom  then  John  did  present, 
To  show  them  his  mission  as  onward  he  went, 

Said  he  was  not  Christ,  he  had  told  them  before, 

But  he  came  to  present  him  whom  all  should  adore. 


76 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 


Jesus  talked  with  the  woman  as  he  sat  on  the  well, 

In  passing  Samaria,  liis  mission  did  tell, 

About  the  sixth  hour,  we  find  this  to  he, 

He  conversed  wuth  the  woman  so  pleasant  and  free. 

She  came  to  draw  water,  Jesus  asked  for  a  drink. 
That  a  Jew  should  do  this,  knew  not  what  to  think, 
They  having  no  dealings  with  people  down  there, 

The  two  are  divided  in  business  and  fare. 

Jesus  said,  if  thou  knowest  what  good  would  bestow, 
On  those  who  are  faithful  while  traveling  below, 

With  whom  thou  talkest  of  the  matters  on  earth. 
You  would  ask  for  the  waters  which  give  the  new  birth. 

Having  no  means  to  draw,  the  woman^replied, 

And  the  well  very  deep,  how  canst  thou  decide. 

Those  waters  which  flow  from  God  the  most  high. 
Will  prepare  one  to  live,  and  also  to  die. 

Art  thou  greater  than  Jacob,  who  gave  us  the  well  ? 
(The  woman  gave  answer,  she  deeply  did  feel,) 

Who  drank  with  his  children,  his  cattle  and  all, 

Ihe  high  and  the  low,  the  short  and  the  tall  ? 

Ty  drinking  this  water,  you  will  all  thirst  again, 

1  ut  that  which  I  give,  is  cleansing  from  sin, 
Kf'vermore  will  they  thirst,  an  unfailing  well, 

Of  peace  and  of  joy,  to  such  will  reveal. 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


77 


The  Savior  continued  to  converse  even  more, 
Concerning  her  husband  he  knew  of  before, 

She  called  him  a  prophet,  so  much  he  expressed. 

He  knew  all  that  was  done,  she  frankly  confessed. 

Very  much  was  surprised,  his  disciples  the  same. 
Who  the  person  could  be,  and  from  whence  tie  came, 
That  he  talked  with  a  woman  so  humble  in  life. 

Yet  still  they  were  silent,  no  cause  for  a  strife. 

Her  water  pot  left,  to  the  city  did  go. 

Would  tell  all  the  news  that  others  might  know, 
Come  now,  see  a  man,  told  me  all  I  have  done. 

Is  not  this  the  Savior  who  soon  was  to  come  ? 

They  met  her  desire,  went  down  to  the  man. 
Constrained  him  to  eat,  he  did  not  begin, 

I  have  meat  for  my  food  no  one  knoweth  of. 

By  the  will  of  my  Father  who  reigneth  above. 

Then  he  spake  of  the  harvest,  four  months  were 
allowed 

To  raise  up  the  corn,  providing  them  food. 

He  referred  to  the  wages  which  all  should  receive. 

If  they  would  be  faithful,  should  never  more  grieve. 

Many  people  believed  what  the  woman  expressed, 
Samaritans  constrained  him  to  make  it  his  place. 

He  abode  there  two  days  to  meet  their  desire, 

To  fulfill  his  mission  he  then  must  retire. 


78 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 


Many  more  did  believe  on  hearing  his  word, 

By  seeing  themselves  their  feelings  were  stirred, 

That  he  was  the  Christ  they  could  not  deny, 

Had  come  to  redeem  them  and  lead  them  on  high. 

Then  to  Galilee  he  went,  as  we  have  been  told. 

To  exhibit  his  power,  his  truths  to  unfold, 

Galileans  received  him,  for  power  he  expressed, 

When  up  to  Jerusalem  attending  the  feast. 

In  the  land  of  Galilee  he  again  did  appear. 

Where  he  made  the  good  wine  those  people  to  cheer. 
When  a  nobleman  came,  with  Jesus  did  plead, 

Had  a  son  very  sick,  his  service  did  need. 

Except  you  see  signs,  the  Savior  replied. 

No  one  will  believe,  although  it  be  tried. 

The  man  was  distressed,  very  plainly  was  shown^ 

H  is  state  and  condition  to  Jesus  made  known. 

He  said,  go  thy  way,  thy  son  will  yet  live. 

That  word  he  obeyed,  at  once  he  did  leave, 

The  very  same  hour  he  began  to  amend,  . 

Because  of  the  Savior,  the  power  he  did  send. 

At  the  pool  of  Bethesda  was  another  made  whole, 
When  the  waters  were  troubled  it  cured  every  soul, 
Who  first  should  go  down,  the  halt  or  the  lame. 
However  infirm,  by  whatever  name. 


79 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


THE  POOL  OF  BETHESDA. 

When  Jesus  was  there,  one  desired  to  go  down, 

For  thirty-eight  years  was  reckoned  unsound, 

He  said  to  the  Savior,  no  help  can  I  find, 

They  all  go  before  me,  and  leave  me  behind. 

Arise,  with  thy  bed,  then  Jesus  did  say, 

No  time  did  he  lose,  that  word  did  obey, 

The  Jews  were  complaining,  such  a  deed  being  done. 
On  God’s  holy  day,  to  father  or  son. 

Enquired  who  it  was  transgressing  their  law, 

He  could  not  inform  them,  the  man  did  withdraw, 
Had  mixed  in  the  crowd  that  he  should  not  be  known, 
He  knew  what  would  follow  as  king  on  the  throne. 


80 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 

Very  soon  in  the  temple  he  found  him  again, 

Said  he  must  be  faithful,  commit  no  more  sin, 

For  fear  something  worse  at  length  he  would  meet, 
Unless  he  repented,  must  find  a  low  seat. 

The  man  told  the  Jews  what  Jesus  had  done. 

How  he  had  been  cured  by  the  very  same  one, 

They  persecute  Jesus  for  his  kindness  and  love, 
Made  known  to  the  cripple  as  onward  he  moves. 

Jesus  spake  of  his  Father,  the  example  he  set, 

Had  taught  him  to  labor,  his  living  to  get. 

They  sought  for  to  kill  him,  not  merely  for  this, 

Said  God  was  his  Father,  the  glory  was  his. 

Then  Jesus  explained  it,  and  told  them  his  power. 
That  he  was  the  person  John  spake  of  before. 

His  mission  explaiiied  as  holy  and  just, 

Came  out  from  his  father  to  grant  them  a  feast. 

They  must  go  to  the  scriptures  and  search  for  the  truth, 
What  God  hath  revealed  for  the  aged  and  youth, 

If  they  would  be  faithful,  fulfilling  their  trust, 

All  such  would  be  happy,  eternally  blest. 

If  they  should  not  listen,  but  turn  a  deaf  ear, 

And  in  their  own  course  continue  to  steer, 

They  would  find  a  hard  road,  no  one  to  defend, 

No  person  to  cheer  them  when  reaching  the  end. 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 


81 


Then  after  these  things  the  Savior  was  known, 
Performing  great  wonders  as  King  on  the  throne, 
Great  multitudes  followed,  because  they  had  seen 
The  cures  he  effected  among  the  unclean. 

Five  thousand  were  fed,  with  only  five  loaves 
And  two  small  fishes,  which  the  supper  composed  : 
He  sat  on  the  mountain,  his  disciples  near  by, 

The  passover  was  coming,  and  the  feast  near  by. 

He  bid  them  be  seated  among  the  tall  grass. 

The  loaves  and  the  fishes  held  out  to  the  last. 

The  bread  was  of  barley,  the  fishes  not  so. 

Then  Jesus  gave  thanks,  it  made  a  fine  show. 

« 

When  they  were  all  filled,  twelve  baskets  took  up 
Of  the  fragments  remaining,  which  filled  them  with 
hope,  [king, 

They  called  him  a  prophet,  would  make  him  their 
He  left  for  the  mountain  in  view  of  this  thing. 

When  evening  came  on,  the  disciples  did  ship 
To  Capernaum,  had  gone  a  very  rough  trip. 

The  wind  blew  high,  the  night  very  dark, 

In  passing  those  waters  they  found  it  hard  work. 

Saw  Jesus,  their  Savior,  as  he  walked  o’er  the  wave, 
To  show  them  his  power,  would  have  them  believe, 
They  all  were  afraid  when  Jesus  drew  nigh, 

He  said,  fear  not,  because  it  is  I. 

They  then  took  him  in,  soon  the  ship  reached  the  land. 

Why  this  should  be  so  they  could  not  understand, 

6 


82 


ST.  JOHN’S  GOSPEL. 


Labor  not  for  the  meat  which  soon  will  be  gone, 

But  seek  for  the  food  coming  fresh  from  the  throne, 

Which  endureth  forever,  when  the  other  will  fail, 

In  all  kinds  of  weather  will  shine  like  true  steel, 
That  bread  may  be  found  by  believing  in  me. 

All  those  who  will  listen  salvation  shall  see. 

The  Jews  then  murmured  because  he  said  this. 

They  knowing  his  parents,  and  all  of  their  race, 

But  Jesus  explained  it  very  simple  and  plain, 

Should  they  do  as  required,  it  would  be  to  their  gain. 

4 

One  would  betray  him,  come  out  from  the  twelve, 
Possessed  by  the  devil,  engaged  in  his  field. 

It  was  Judas  Iscariot  they  soon  did  perceive. 

The  course  he  pursued  would  cause  them  to  grieve. 

The  Jews  sought  to  kill  him,  this  Jesus  well  knew. 
Their  hearts  being  evil,  their  words  were  untrue, 

He  was  walking  in  Galilee  because  of  this  thing, 

Not  safe  while  in  Judea  by  the  news  coming  in. 

He  went  to  Mount  Olives,  in  the  temple  he  taught, 
An  adulterous  woman  to  the  Savior  was  brought. 

For  him  to  condemn,  because  she  was  rude. 

With  deeds  which  were  evil  her  path  being  strewed. 

Now  Moses,  they  said,  caused  such  to  be  stoned, 

But  what  sayest  thou  on  such  being  found  ? 

They  did  this  to  tempt  him,  this  plainly  is  seen. 

He  knew  every  thought,  what  each  of  them  mean. 


ST.  JOHN’S  GOSPEL. 


83 


The  Savior  then  said,  any  one  without  sin, 

$ 

Let  him  cast  the  first  stone,  he  now  may  begin, 
They  all  felt  condemned,  every  one  of  them  left, 

The  oldest  and  youngest  for  sin  had  a  gift. . 

Jesus  looked  on  the  woman,  and  saw  her  alone. 

Spake  of  her  accusers,  she  said,  I  have  none. 

Nor  do  I  condemn  thee,  I  will  have  thee  to  know, 
But  sin  nevermore,  as  onward  you  go. 

He  was  the  true  light  to  guide  every  man, 

Who  will  seek  for  the  truth  before  him  shall  stand. 
But  the  Jews  were  reproved  by  the  Savior  most  high, 
All  must  he  renewed  before  they  should  die. 

They  called  him  a  devil ;  he  answered,  not  so, 

I  seek  not  mine  own  glory,  to  make  a  great  show ; 
They  would  not  believe,  would  pelt  him  with  stones. 
But  Jesus  passed  by  them,  each  one  in  their  turn. 

Saw  a  man  that  was  blind,  had  been  so  from  his  birth. 
They  said  he  had  sinned,  or  his  parents  were  hurt. 
But  the  Savior  replied,  the  thing  is  not  so. 

To  show  them  his  power,  his  eyes  did  renew. 

While  yet  it  was  day  a  work  must  be  done. 

For  it  soon  will  be  past  and  night  will  come  on. 

Then  he  spat  on  the  ground,  made  clay  of  the  same; 
Anointed  his  eyes  as  soon  as  he  came. 

Go  wash  in  Siloam,  was  then  the  command. 

The  words  which  he  spake  he  did  well  understand, 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


85 


Soon  went  to  the  pool,  as  Jesus  had  said,^ 

His  eyes  were  restored^  wished  not  to  he  led. 

Being  done  on  the  Sabbath,  the  deed  was  condemned, 
The  Jews  did  not  like  it,  declared  he  had  sinned. 

He  told  them  the  story,  the  man  was  born  blind. 

In  calling  his  parents  the  same  they  did  find. 

Could  not  understand  it,  how  this  could  be  done. 

But  here  were  the  parents,  and  there  was  the  son, 
Their  reason  was  staggered,  we  plainly  perceive. 

It  was  Christ  the  Redeemer  they  all  must  believe. 

He  alone  is  the  door,  there  is  no  other  way, 

All  people  may  find  it  by  night  or  by  day, 

The  thief  and  the  robber  will  suffer  great  loss, 

Such  a  course  is  condemned  as  sinful  and  loose. 

The  sheep  know  his  voice,  but  a  stranger’s  know  not, 
His  care  and  devotion  they  have  never  forgot, 

But  a  hireling  will  flee,  no  strength  to  his  love, 
Careth  not  for  the  sheep,  like  the  one  from  above. 

Sees  the  wolf  coming  forward  the  sheep  to  destroy, 
He  useth  no  caution  his  course  to  annoy. 

Leaves  all  as  a  prey  to  wild  beasts  of  the  wood, 

They  rend  them  in  pieces,  devour  them  as  food. 

There  was  a  discussion,  so  strange  was  his  course, 

It  caused  a  division,  they  would  take  him  by  force, 
Some  called  him  a  devil,  said  he  truly  was  mad, 

Can  devils  do  this  ?  the  other  then  said. 


86 


8T.  John’s  gospel. 


I 

Ope  the  eyes  of  the  blind,  such  miracles  perform, 
Exhibit  such  power  in  the  calm  or  the  storm  ? 

Many  Jews  gathered  round,  did  urge  him  to  say, 
Whether  he  was  the  Christ,  and  no  other  way. 

Then  Jesus  repeated  what  he  had  done  before. 

They  would  not  believe,  nor  the  Savior  adore. 

Said  God  was  his  Father,  and  he  was  the  Son, 

In  power  and  in  glory  they  both  became  one. 

The  Jews  sought  to  stone  him,  behaved  very  bad. 
Would  render  no  credit  to  the  words  which  he  said. 
Then  he  went  beyond  Jordan,  where  John  had  baptized, 
Where  many  believed  and  dwelt  by  his  side. 

The  sickness  of  Lazarus  was  plainly  made  known. 
And  the  time  of  his  death,  this  also  was  shown. 

He  was  loved  by  the  Savior,  and  his  sisters  likewise. 
And  they  loved  their  master,  and  this  did  suffice. 

It  was  Mary  and  Martha  to  whom  they  refer. 

The  sisters  of  Lazarus,  when  this  did  occur, 

Eesided  in  Bethany,  as  we  may  perceive. 

And  the  death  of  their  brother  did  cause  them  to  grieve. 

That  Mary  anointed  the  feet  of  her  Lord, 

Wiped  the  same  with  her  hair,  because  she  adored, 
Sent  word  unto  Jesus  that  Lazarus  was  sick. 

Knew  he  in  her  brother  much  interest  did  take. 

But  the  Savior  replied,  it  is  not  unto  death, 

He  dwelt  by  their  side  on  the  right  and  the  left, 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


87 


Two  days  he  remained,  that  they  might  he  blest, 
Believe  them  from  trouble,  affording  them  rest. 

The  Jews  sought  to  stone  him,  ye  the  was  secure, 
Would  show  his  disciples  how  they  must  endure, 
'Believe  the  distressed  by  night  and  by  day, 

For  fear  they  would  stumble  and  go  the  wrong  way. 

Friend  Lazarus,  he  said,  was  resting  in  sleep, 

I  go  to  awake  him  and  soon  he  will  speak. 

He  referred  to  his  death,  it  was  even  so, 

« 

Four  days  he’d  been  buried,  the  Savior  did  know. 

Martha  said  unto  Jesus,  If  thou  hadst  been  here. 

Our  brother  had  lived  to  bid  us  good  cheer, 

She  believed  in  his  power,  the  same  did  express. 

He  would  comfort  their  hearts,  affording  them  peace. 

She  called  unto  Mary,  said' the  master  had  come, 
Desireth  to  see  thee,  would  fain  give  him  room. 

Then  Mary  came  quickly,  and  fell  at  his  feet. 

Said  the  same  as  her  sister  whom  Jesus  did  meet. 

As  she  was  still  weeping  with  friends  by  her  side, 
Jesus  groaned  in  the  spirit,  his  feelings  were  tried. 
Said,  where  have  ye  laid  him?  they  replied,  come  and  see. 
Then  Jesus  did  weep  spontaneous  and  free. 

Behold  how  he  loved  him,  the  Jews  then  said. 

Could  he  not  preserve  him  that  he  should  not  have  died  ? 
He  groaned  in  the  spirit  when  he  came  to  his  grave, 
A  stone  lay  upon  it,  they  called  it  a  cave. 


88 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


Eemove  now  the  stone,  were  the  words  Jesus  spake, 
Martha  said  to  the  Savior,  he  cannot  awake, 

Been  dead  four  days,  quite  offensive  must  be, 

Unto  Martha  he  said,  believe  thou  in  me. 

The  glory  of  God  you  soon  shall  behold. 

Then  he  cried,  come  forth,  his  power  to  unfold, 

Then  Lazarus  appeared,  with  his  grave  clothes  on, 
Was  bound  hand  and  foot,  to  his  sisters  did  come. 

Many  Jews  then  believed  from  what  they  had  seen. 
The  miracles  he  wrought  their  favor  did  win, 

Others  called  him  a  prophet,  in  word  and  in  deed. 

It  made  them  quite  angry,  much  evil  decreed. 

They  sought  to  betray  him,  would  put  him  to  death. 
For  deeds  he  had  done  on  the  right  and  the  left, 
Were  jealous  that  one  should  leave  them  behind. 

It  made  them  unhappy,  could  not  he  resigned. 

Ere  the  passover  came,  a  supper  was  made. 

And  Lazarus  was  present,  who  was  raised  from  the  dead, 
That  Martha  had  served,  whom  Jesus  did  love. 

And  Mary  used  ointment  on  her  friend  from  above. 

Anointed  his  feet,  then  wiped  with  her  hair, 

So  great  was  the  odor  it  made  Judas  stare. 
Pronounced  it  a  waste,  was  robbing  the  poor, 

Not  a  whit  did  he  care,  nor  had  done  before. 

Let  the  woman  alone,  her  Savior  did  say, 

She  hath  done  a  good  deed,  is  in  the  right  way, 


ST.  John’s  gospel. 


89 


The  poor  are  still  with  you,  and  ever  will  be, 

But  a  very  short  time  my  face  you  will  see. 

They  came  to  see  Jesus,  and  Lazarus  likewise, 

Who  was  raised  from  the  dead,  it  caused  much  surprise, 
Many  Jews  had  believed  because  of  this  thing. 

The  power  of  the  Savior  did  cause  them  to  sing. 

Jesus  went  to  the  feast  as  Jerusalem’s  King, 

Had  a  work  to  perform,  salvation  did  bring. 

Palm  branches  were  spread,  hosanna  was  cried. 

In  the  name  of  that  Savior  who  onward  did  ride. 

Upon  an  ass  colt,  to  Jerusalem  did  go. 

Had  a  work  to  accomplish  while  traveling  below, 

Said  all  must  bear  fruit  like  wheat  in  the  ground, 

All  such  will  be  happy,  in  honors  be  crowned. 

Very  soon  I  must  leave  you,  the  Savior  did  say, 

The  hour  is  approaching  when  I  go  away, 

Return  to  my  Father,  who  is  greater  than  I, 

Will  take  all  his  people  to  mansions  on  high. 

I  am  the  true  vine  from  the  regions  above. 

Every  branch  bearing  fruit  my  Father  will  love. 

The  union  is  sweet  and  the  peace  will  be  great, 

With  God  and  his  people  so  calm  is  their  state. 

Let  your  heart  not  be  troubled,  believe  thou  in  me, 
That  God  is  my  Father  you  plainly  may  see, 

There  are  mansions  prepared  in  the  sweet  realms  of  bliss, 
For  all  who  will  listen,  my  Gospel'  embrace. 


90 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 


The  way  ye  may  know,  the  truth  and  the  life, 

While  traveling  below  will  prevent  you  from  strife, 
Whatever  you  ask,  in  faith  and  in  love. 

My  father  will  grant  it  as  onward  you  move. 

Christ’s  love  to  his  people  is  plainly  made  known , 
The  just  and  the  holy  shall  dwell  on  his  throne, 
While  here  on  the  earth,  their  journey  is  safe. 

And  when  they  shall  leave,  greater  blessings  will  have. 

These  words  spake  Jesus  to  his  Father  on  high, 

Made  reference  to  Judas,  who  would  cause  them  to  sigh 
With  torches  and  weapons  the  Savior  will  seek. 
Giving  way  to  his  passions  will  ensure  his  defeat. 

Jesus  came  before  Pilate,  when  Peter  was  tried, 

They  brought  accusations  which  Peter  denied. 

With  thorns  he  is  crowned,  we  plainly  perceive. 

For  denying  the  master  soon  Peter  must  grieve. 

They  led  him  away,  yet  some  must  lament. 

Many  women  which  followed  as  onward  they  went, 

By  soldiers  was  mocked,  malefactors  likewise. 
Derided  by  rulers  and  others  as  spies. 

They  divided  his  garments,  four  parts  in  the  whole, 
Each  soldier  had  one,  they  did  it  by  rule. 

His  coat  shared  the  same,  no  seam  to  be  found. 

From  the  top  to  the  bottom  it  was  solid  and  sound. 

Not  rend  it,  they  said,  but  cast  lots  for  the  same, 
According  to  scripture,  that  none  be  to  blame, 


ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL.  91 

Jesus  spake  to  the  woman,  that  she  might  behold 
The  fruit  of  her  loins,  and  the  story  unfold. 

Said  to  the  disciple,  thy  mother  now  see, 

He  well  understood  and  with  him  did  agree, 

To  his  house  she  was  taken  that  very  same  hour, 

The  work  was  accomplished  as  presented  before. 

Then  Jesus  did  thirst,  when  vinegar  was  given, 

In  a  sponge  they  prepared  to  present  it  more  even. 
When  he  said  it  is  finished,  and  gave  up  the  ghost. 
His  legs  were  not  broken,  hut  his  side  they  had  pierced. 

The  others  not  so,  their  bones  they  did  break. 

The  same  was  foretold,  much  pains  they  did  take. 

The  scriptures  fulfilled,  very  plainly  we  see,  ^ 

All  prophets  and  martyrs  in  the  same  did  agree. 

Then  Joseph  appeared,  his  body  desired. 

King  Pilate  consented  as  he  was  inspired. 

Then  hound  him  in  linen,  with  spices  and  myrrh. 

To  fit  him  for  burial  as  he  did  prefer. 

New  tomb  in  the  garden  where  this  was  all  done. 

No  person  was  in  it,  for  Christ  was  the  one. 

When  Mary  came  early,  first  day  of  the  week. 

Found  the  stone  was  removed  from  one  she  did  seek. 

She  runneth  to  Simon,  and  another  did  meet, 
Unfolded  her  story,  the  same  did  repeat. 

They  ran  both  together,  but  John  arrived  first,  '"p 
And  Peter  came  after,  fulfilling  his  trust. 


I 

92  ST.  JOHN^S  GOSPEL. 

Went  in  before  John,  saw  the  linen  clothes  lie, 

The  napkin  one  side  was  not  very  nigh. 

The  first  then  believed,  as  the  others  had  done. 

While  Mary  stood  weeping  because  of  this  son. 

Two  angels  were  sitting,  at  the  head  and  the  feet, 
They  said  unto  Mary,  why  dost  thou  weep  ? 

Her  Lord  had  been  taken,  no  trace  could  be  found, 
But  soon  she  beheld  him  on  turning  around. 

Jesus  spake  unto  Mary,  Eabboni  she  said. 

The  meaning  was  master,  her  spirits  would  feed, 

Said,  go  to  my  brethren,  tell  them  I  ascend, 

Eeturn  to  my  father  and  their  fathers^  friend. 

She  told  the  disciples  what  Jesus  did  say, 

The  words  which  he  uttered  by  night  and  by  day. 

All  doors  being  shut,  for  fear  of  the  Jews, 

He  came  in  great  mercy,  no  one  did  refuse. 

His  hands  and  his  side  to  them  he  did  show, 

My  peace  now  receive,  I  give  unto  you. 

The  disciples  were  glad  in  beholding  their  Lord, 

On  them  he  did  breathe,  and  their  feelings  were  stirred. 

But  Thomas  was  absent,  called  Didymus  of  old, 

Being  one  of  the  twelve  and  one  of  the  fold. 

He  would  not  believe  unless  he  should  see. 

The  print  of  the  nails  would  make  him  agree. 

The  doors  being  shut,  when  eight  days  were  gone, 

His  disciples  all  present,  wdth  Thomas  had  come, 


/ 


ST.  John’s  gospel,  93 

Jesus  stood  in  the  midst,  said  peace  be  with  you, 

Told  Thomas  to  handle,  and  his  faith  would  renew. 

My  Lord  and  my  God,  at  once  he  did  say, 

Then  Thomas  was  ready  his  will  to  obey, 

Because  he  had  seen,  he  believed  every  word, 

Could  utter  amen,  his  feelings  were  stirred. 

The  Savior  then  said,  because  thou  hast  seen, 

The  same  bast  believed  all  things  that  I  mean. 

But  those  are  more  blesse.l  who  have  never  beheld. 
And  yet  have  believed  all  that  is  revealed. 

By  many  more  signs  Jesus  showed  himself  God, 

With  all  his  disciples,  and  scattered  abroad. 

Not  all  written  here,  this  book  don’t  contain. 

It  cannot  declare  it,  so  much  doth  remain. 

Then  to  his  disciples  he  appeareth  again. 

Gives  Peter  a  charge,  this  plainly  is  seen, 

Foretelleth  his  death,  very  soon  he  must  die. 

Being  slain  by  the  people,  would  cause  them  to  sigh. 

At  the  sea  of  Tiberias,  where  Peter  would  go. 

To  catch  a  few  fish  those  people  did  know. 

Caught  nothing  that  night,  when  he  came  to  the  shore, 
Saw  Jesus,  the  Savior,  as  he  had  done  before. 

Have  ye  here  any  meat  ?  unto  Peter  he  said, 

No  fish  can  we  find,  no  meat  to  be  had, 

Now  let  down  the  net,  then  Jesus  did  say, 

Peter  lost  no  time,  but  that  word  did  obey. 


5  I  ‘ 

94  ST.  JOHN’S  GOSPEL. 

They  cast  out  the  net  upon  the  right  side, 

Great  multitudes  gathered,  which  there  did  abide. 
Not  able  to  draw  them,  such  a  haul  they  did  make, 
Surprised  Simon  Peter  the  hoards  they  did  take. 

He  jumped  in  the  sea  when  he  knew  ’twas  the  Lord 
Soon  another  ship  came,  much  help  did  afford. 

Full  two  hundred  cubits  they  drew  to  the  land, 

The  fish  they  had  taken,  vfe  all  understand. 

Saw  a  good  coal  fire,  some  fish  lay  thereon. 

With  bread  all  prepared,  for  what  they  had  done, 

The  net  was  not  broken,  as  we  plainly  perceive. 

For  the  Savior  had  spoken,  no  more  did  they  grieve. 

They  had  a  good  dinner,  gave  thanks  to  the  Lord, 
Had  much  to  consider,  much  love  could  afford, 

Jesus  spake  of  his  death,  and  said  follow  me. 

Exhibit  your  interest  spontaneous  and  free. 

Said  to  Peter,  be  faithful,  my  sheep  thou  shalt  feed, 
In  doing  these  things  much  help  you  will  need. 

If  he  would  be  faithful,  his  mission  obey. 

He  then  would  be  happy  by  night  and  by  day. 

In  closing  this  book,  may  it  be  understood, 

The  instructions  they  had  were  all  very  good. 

But  a  few  here  presented,  all  pointed  and  clear, 
Sufficient  to  show  us  the  way  we  should  steer. 


THE  CLOSING  PAGE. 


The  Gospels  I’ve  presented  here,  so  plain  and  simple  too, 

The  little  child  who  reads  with  care  may  find  the  sayings  true, 
Should  I  encouragement  receive,  the  same  as  heretofore, 
Remaining  portions  soon  will  give,  which  I’ve  laid  up  in  store. 

Present  the  Bible,  which  I  have  in  poetry  expressed, 

Both  old  and  new  the  substance  give,  aflfording  peace  and  rest, 
A  handsome  volume,  neatly  bound,  engravings  will  be  there, 
Four  hundred  pages  may  be  found,  demanding  time  and  care. 

Prophets,  Apostles,  Martyrs  too,  the  reign  of  mighty  kings. 
Both  great  and  small,  the  good  and  true,  same  punished  for 
their  sins, 

Adam  and  Eve, their  offspring  given,  thecourse  they  took  in  life, 
Moses,  Goliah,  David,  Stephen,  and  who  they  took  for  wife. 

Esau  and  Jacob,  Daniel  too,  and  Sampson  with  the  rest, 
Abram  and  Isaac,  what  they  do,  old  Job  lyho  stood  the  test. 
The  Temple  built  by  Solomon,  while  king  upon  the  throne, 
Those  bearing  rule  when  he  had  done,  the  seeds  which  they 
had  sown. 

The  Lion’s  den,  their  prowess  stayed,  how  Sampson  slew  his 
foes. 

How  Moses  by  the  Lord  was  saved,  but  Pharaoh  overthrows, 
Of  Joseph  and  his  brethren  too,  how  God  preserves  the  good, 
Although  to  Egypt  he  did  go,  they  came  to  him  for  food. 


96 


CONCLUSION. 


Those  ten  commandments  plainly  given  by  God  the  heavenly 
king. 

The  course  made  known  which  leads  to  heaven,  where  saints 
in  glory  sing, 

Examples  shown  by  wicked  men,  of  Haman  and  his  tribe, 
Those  wandering  in  the  paths  of  sin,  in  all  their  pomp  and  j)ride. 

The  general  features  as  they  rise,  presented  plain  and  clear. 
Will  make  the  prudent  soul  more  wise,  the  richest  armor  wear. 
While  erring  ones  are  seen  to  fall,  no  one  can  stand  the  test, 
Must  feel  the  rod,  like  wicked  Saul,  expose  their  naked  breast. 

The  case  of  Lot,  and  Sodom^sfare,  with  Nebuchadnezzar’srei^>-Q 

O  f 

Those  Hebrew  children  GM  did  spare,  no  sign  of  fire  was  seen, 
Belshazzar  and  his  impious  feast,  how  Lanlcl  stands  erect, 
When  King  Belshazzar  proved  the  last,  as  he  did  not  expect. 

Of  Noah,  riding  on  the  flood  above  the  mountains’  top, 

The  course  he  took  had  been  so  good, his  soul  was  filled  with  hope. 
Lands  safely  on  Mount  Ararat,  with  all  his  valued  freight, 
While  those  their  Maker  had  forgot  did  find  themselves  too  late. 

State  Jonah’s  case  while  on  the  sea,  because  he  had  done  wrong. 
Though  from  his  master  strove  to  flee,  could  not  continue  long, 
The  whale  did  meet,  in  sorrow  too,  when  winds  and  waves 
run  high. 

It  pacified  the  frightened  crew,  not  one  of  them  did  die. 

The  old  and  new  are  treated  thus,  from  Genesis  maybe  seen, 
In  Revelations,  closes  up,  shows  what  the  Scriptures  mean, 
Rehearsing  all  that’s  done  and  said  within  the  sacred  page, 
Presenting  what  each  one  may  need,  in  every  clime  and  age. 


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